Linda Marie Phillips

Linda Marie Phillips passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 6, 2026.

Born on May 30, 1953, in Santa Monica, California, Linda spent her earliest years in Santa Monica Canyon in her grandparents' home, alongside her mother, Nadja, and her younger brother and Irish twin, Michael Croghan. It was there — in the Canyon, surrounded by family and the salt air of the Pacific — that she first learned the art of gathering people together, a gift she would carry her entire life.

At 11, she moved with her family to Scotts Valley, California, attending Vine Hill School and Scotts Valley Middle School. The family settled on the West Side of Santa Cruz in 1968, and it became the place she loved most in the world — the backdrop of her richest memories and her deepest roots.

Linda was married to Edward Hawley, with whom she welcomed her three beloved children: Jacob, Nicholas, and Heather. Edward passed away in 1979. In 1981, she married Randy Phillips, beginning a new chapter of partnership and family life. Her role as mother and grandmother was her greatest joy and her truest calling. She adored her grandchildren — Alexander, Peter, and Conrad; Rosie, Mikayla, Jonathan, and Matthew — and they adored her right back.

Linda was, at her core, someone who made the world feel warmer by being in it. She had a free spirit, a quick wit, and an open door. Her home was the kind of place people gravitated toward — not because of anything fancy, but because she had a rare ability to make everyone who walked in feel like they were exactly where they were supposed to be. She was a friend to many and a stranger to none for long.

She loved travel and adventure, with treasured trips to Portugal and Thailand among her favorites. She loved a good game — Scrabble, backgammon, cards — and brought her characteristic spark to a winning appearance on Wheel of Fortune.

In the 1990s, inspired by her grandfather Paul Wrangell's tradition of Christmas caroling in the Santa Monica Canyon, Linda began gathering her family to sing inside the Santa Cruz Lighthouse during the holidays. Because she was Linda, it didn't stay small. Her joy was contagious, and the tradition grew into "Caroling Under the Stars," a beloved community celebration that filled the lighthouse lawn with music, laughter, and the kind of magic that only happens when someone cares enough to bring people together.

She is survived by her husband, Randy; children Jacob, Nicholas, and Heather; grandchildren Alexander, Peter, Conrad, Mikayla, Jonathan, and Matthew; siblings Michael Croghan (Lilia), Nona Morgan, Marcia Gregg (Hugh), and Robert Stanchfield; stepmother Judy Croghan; uncle Pancho Wrangell (Susana); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nadja Stanchfield and Dennis Croghan, and by her beloved granddaughter Rosie.

Linda lived with wonder, loved without reservation, and left every room a little brighter than she found it. The world was more alive for having her in it, and those who knew her will carry that warmth with them always.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Santa Cruz, 130 Emmett Street, Santa Cruz, California.